The Sicamous and District Chamber of Commerce and the Stomp committee heard positive feedback at their public forum held May 13.

About 30 people attended the town hall meeting to update themselves on the events slated for July 18 to 21.

“It was 100 per cent positive feedback from the community,” said Steve Hammer, Summer Stomp events chair. “The community is very accepting and embracing the event with open arms.”

The committee and chamber took comments, questions and concerns surrounding the Stomp.

Chamber executive director Michelle Wolff said the biggest concern that arose was access to Main Street. Main Street will be closed Friday and Saturday to regular traffic to accommodate the carnival-style Burnout event. Traffic will be restricted to bikes, emergency vehicles and necessary traffic for businesses.

“There was a misconception that we were shutting down Main Street for four days; it’s technically just slightly over 48 hours including set-up and tear down,” Wolff said.

Security has been hired. Wolff said organizers want people to feel comfortable with leaving their vehicles downtown. There will be paid traffic control on standby to assist volunteers. Shuttles will be running between downtown and the Stomp grounds at the dog park to allow safe movement between events. The events downtown are free to attend.

Volunteer sign-up and information for vendors is available online as well as a full list of events for Burnout and Summer Stomp.

“Everybody seems very excited about the whole situation, so it’s been very positive,” Wolff said.

A related noise bylaw amendment will be presented to Sicamous council tonight during their regular meeting.

District staff is recommending council approve the amendment, which would allow bands to play until 2 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 1:30 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, and 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 21.

The amendment spans a nine-day period covering the event, as well as the time needed for set-up and tear-down.